Verifying credentials is the single most important step in choosing a hair transplant surgeon abroad. Unverified "clinics" are the source of most medical tourism horror stories. Here's exactly how to confirm a Colombian surgeon's qualifications.
4 Credentials to Check
ISHRS Membership
International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
The leading global organization for hair transplant professionals. Members must meet experience and ethical standards. This is the most important credential to check.
Visit ishrs.org/find-a-doctor → Search by name or location (Colombia, Medellín)
ABHRS Certification
American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery — Gold Standard
Only ~200 surgeons worldwide hold this certification. Requires passing rigorous written and oral exams. Colombia has one ABHRS-certified surgeon. This is the highest credential possible.
Visit abhrs.org/find-a-diplomate → Search by name or country
Colombian Medical License (ReTHUS)
Registro Único Nacional del Talento Humano en Salud
All practicing physicians in Colombia must be registered here. Confirms they have a valid medical degree and are legally licensed to practice. Basic requirement — any legitimate doctor will have this.
Search ReTHUS database with the surgeon's cédula (Colombian ID number)
SCCP Membership
Sociedad Colombiana de Cirugía Plástica
The Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery. Members must be board-certified plastic surgeons. Relevant if your surgeon has a plastic surgery background.
Visit cirugiaplastica.org.co → Surgeon directory
Minimum Standard vs Gold Standard
Minimum: Must Have
- ✓ Valid ReTHUS registration
- ✓ Medical degree from accredited institution
- ✓ Verifiable clinic address/business
- ✓ Willing to provide credentials
Gold Standard: Look For
- ✓ ISHRS membership (strongly recommended)
- ✓ ABHRS certification (rare but best)
- ✓ SCCP membership (if plastic surgeon)
- ✓ International training/fellowships
Red Flags: Warning Signs
- ✕Won't provide credential numbers — Legitimate surgeons happily share this information
- ✕Not listed in any official directory — If you can't verify them anywhere, walk away
- ✕Claims credentials you can't verify — Some claim ISHRS membership falsely
- ✕No medical degree visible — Framed diplomas should be displayed in office
- ✕Technicians perform surgery — Ask directly: "Will YOU do the extraction and implantation?"
- ✕Evasive about experience — Good surgeons openly discuss case volume and years of experience
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
- 1. Are you a member of ISHRS? Can you provide your membership number?
- 2. Will you personally perform the extraction and implantation? Or will technicians be involved?
- 3. How many hair transplants have you performed? What's your annual case volume?
- 4. Can you show before/after photos of patients with similar hair loss?
- 5. What is your complication rate? How do you handle complications?
- 6. What post-op support do you provide? WhatsApp access? Virtual follow-ups?
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